A task editor assigns stories and resources for coverage, often working for TV, radio or newspapers. They use their judgment to decide which topics deserve more coverage, check sources and facts for validity, and supervise and review the work of writers and reporters. A high school diploma is required, while a bachelor’s degree in journalism or writing is preferred.
A task editor decides which stories or events will be reported on and who will cover the story. She might work for a television station, radio station or newspaper. The people she assigns stories or resources for coverage often include reporters, writers, photographers, and videographers.
This type of editor is typically responsible for breaking news at local, regional, national or international events. Typically, she is required to use her judgment in deciding which topics deserve more coverage. Before assigning a story for coverage, she typically checks sources and facts for validity.
The sources that an attribution editor has are usually varied. She often has ties to emergency service agencies or community and political leaders who alert her to breaking stories. Local residents also regularly reach out to the media with leads and ideas for featured reports. News and press releases are a common source for a task editor to get ideas for publication or broadcast as well.
She generally bases her assignments on the expertise of reporters and writers with expertise in specific subjects or geographic areas. Specialty areas typically include local human interest stories, local, regional or world politics, crime and corruption, and business and economics. Smaller stations or newspapers may have one or two reporters who report on all topics. If the news concerns an important event, normally more than one reporter is assigned to report on it from different aspects and points of view.
If there is a noteworthy event underway, such as an election campaign or disaster recovery effort, the task editor is often asked to plan and implement a series that could span several days or weeks. She is usually required to review each segment to get good progression and ensure that all facts are current and correct. If sensitive quotes are part of the story, her job typically requires her to double-check the source and context to ensure no libel or libel is involved.
A person in this position often supervises and reviews the work of the writers and reporters on their staff. She may also edit her work for clarity and substance. In some cases, an assignment editor may occasionally write or report on a particular topic.
A high school diploma or equivalent is usually required to apply for this job. A bachelor’s degree in journalism or writing is strongly preferred. A work history in news writing, editing or generating is often considered an advantage for those looking to pursue a career in assignment editing.
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